We Need an Affordable Record Flattener

How many 16.5 cleaners do you think that VPI sells? Probably more than a few a year I would have to think. Of course, there are other methods other than a vacuum cleaner to clean your records but it seems to be the most common and popular method by far in terms of getting the job done properly. Before the advent of such a machine, people likely made due with other methods. I'm sure that the oven method can be made to work fine but it would suck to make a mistake due to an innacurate thermometer, leaving it in too long etc.

Having a neat and clean solution to fixing a warped record is something that would appeal to a certain group of people, no? Given how many audio accessories are out there, many of them seemingly frivolus or questionable it doesn't seem that far out that some would like to have such an item in their audio toolbox.

Grimace, Where and when did I infer that one needed a gas oven? It might be difficult to find tiles that are sufficient to cover the surface area of an LP, whereas one can get glass cut to size fairly easily in any good hardware store. I suppose both tile and glass would work fine, however. Thanks for supplying the specifics as to time and temperature.

HA! Viridian hates vinyl, but apparently he can't stop reading about it!! HA!
Good one, Viridian! Thanks!
Your brain hurts! Ha!!

Lewm, You didn't say anything about gas. The original post did. I got my tiles at Lowe's or Home Depot. Don't remember which. Its a stock item and they're heavier than glass.

And speaking of the VPI 16.5 - Now that I'm on "vacation" again I think I can build one for about $50 in parts - including a sacrificial TT for platter and bearing - using a shop vac for the vacuum suply. That'll be a hell of a lot cheaper than the $550 VPI charges.

The commercial flateners are a rip.I have yet to try the put it between glass (with paper sleeve) and think that more weight with bricks or granite is good idea).But know this is you have a nasty heat warp it's not going to work,I had a Lou Donaldson "Blues Walk" that I too cover to concert for Lou to sign.Got home and open shade had produced a nasty 1" heat warp.The tighter (smaller area) of warp and it's depth can be to degree that nothing will work (as that $2K company tells you).Gradual warps that don't 'kick tone arm might work.But set at lowest heat of 200 degrees for wide mild warps and cross fingers.
Chazz